Watering is the most difficult skill to master for growing Haworthias. Watering at a bad timing may damage or even kill a plant due to root rot. Weather conditions, especially temperatures, should be the main considerations to decide when to water and how much to supply.
Haworthia are delightful little succulents perfect for beginners. Their petite size and ease of care make them ideal houseplants. But knowing how often to water Haworthia is key to keeping them happy and healthy. Understand their watering needs and you’ll have thriving Haworthia for years to come.
Why Proper Watering Matters
Getting the watering schedule right prevents common Haworthia problems like
- Rotting from overwatering
- Wilting and shriveling from underwatering
- Mineral buildup from tap water
Water less frequently in winter when growth slows. Increase watering in summer but allow soil to dry between waterings. Adjust watering based on climate, pot size, and other factors.
Follow these tips to determine the best watering frequency for your Haworthia.
Water Only When Soil is Dry
Haworthia store water in their thick triangular leaves. They can go extended periods without water. Only water when the top 1-2 inches of soil have dried out. Use your finger to test soil moisture before watering.
As a general rule, water Haworthia every 2-3 weeks in spring and autumn In summer, they may need weekly watering. In winter, water every 3-4 weeks. But adjust frequency based on soil dryness.
Water Less Often in Winter
During winter dormancy, Haworthia grow slowly and need less water. Cool temperatures and shorter days reduce their needs.
Cut back on watering from fall through early spring. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. Reduce watering even more for varieties like H. attenuata and H. maughanii that are extra dormant in winter.
Water More Frequently in Summer
In their active growth period from spring through summer, Haworthia need more frequent watering. Hot, dry weather accelerates soil drying.
Check soil moisture more often in summer. Water Haworthia when the top inch of soil is dry. Be sure to allow the soil to fully dry between waterings.
Consider Your Growing Zone
Humidity and temperature impact soil moisture and Haworthia’s water needs. In dry climates, plants lose moisture faster. In humid regions, soil retains more moisture.
Haworthia native to hot, arid regions need less water. Varieties from coastal South Africa prefer more moisture. Adjust watering based on the climate conditions where you live.
Use Fast-Draining Soil
A well-draining potting mix is essential for healthy Haworthia. Use a cactus & succulent soil blend. Or make your own mix with equal parts potting soil, coarse sand, and perlite.
Avoid regular potting soil that stays wet and suffocates roots. Improve drainage by adding perlite or gravel to any potting mix. Re-pot in fresh soil every 2-3 years.
Water Less in Small Pots
Haworthia in smaller pots need less frequent watering than those in larger containers. Soil dries out faster in smaller pots.
For a 3-inch pot, water a Haworthia every 7-10 days in summer. Use longer intervals for 4-6 inch pots. Bigger pots hold more soil and retain moisture longer.
Let Water Drain and Dry
Always water thoroughly until it runs from the drainage holes. But don’t leave Haworthia sitting in water. Tip the pot to drain excess water. Allow the soil to partially dry before watering again.
Avoid getting water on the leaves which can lead to rotting. Only water at the base of the plant.
Use Rainwater or Distilled Water
Haworthia are sensitive to minerals and chemicals in tap water. Use rainwater or distilled water when possible. If using tap water, let it sit out overnight before watering so the chlorine can dissipate.
Adding gravel as top dressing improves drainage. Or bottom-water by soaking pots in water occasionally to flush out mineral salts.
Don’t Use a Set Schedule
Avoid watering on a fixed schedule, like every 2 weeks. Rely on soil dryness tests instead. Environmental factors change moisture needs over time. Base watering on each plant’s needs, not the calendar.
Observe your Haworthia and learn when they need water. Proper watering is vital for keeping these popular succulents healthy and looking their best.
How Often Should You Water Haworthia Based on Season?
In Mild Weather (Spring and Fall)
The growth speed of Haworthias is largely impacted by temperatures. When they are actively growing in mild temperatures in the spring and fall, you can water them right away when the soil around the roots starts to feel dry. In Northern California, watering every ~3 weeks is recommended. Just avoid watering plants when they are under direct sunlight, which can lead to high temperatures.
In Hot and Cold Weather (Summer and Winter)
Haworthias slow down and even stop their growth in high or low temperatures. They not only reduce the water uptake but also become more susceptible to infections. Excess water in a growing medium can lead to rot more easily, and is especially dangerous when hot, as pathogens are more active. When watering, only wet a part of the growing medium in a container and let capillary action spread the moisture. The extreme the temperature, the less amount of water should be supplied.
In winter, the best timing of watering is when the next week is relatively warm and dry, often at the beginning of a series of sunny days. Water in the early morning so that excess water can be evaporated during the day.
In summer, similarly, the best timing is when the next week is cooler and dry. Water at night after the temperature drops below 24oC so that excess water will be gone before the temperature rises the next day. Pay attention to not let too much water reside in the center of a plant, otherwise, the plant is likely to rot from the center.
A golden rule is that always check the weather forecast and when in doubt, don’t water. A Haworthia can live without water supply for many months but can die in one day because of rot. Note that because plants take time to adopt a drier or wetter environment, the watering frequency should be gradually reduced before summer or winter comes.
Haworthia are relatively easy-going succulents when it comes to watering. However, they can be prone to issues like rotting if overwatered. Pay close attention to soil dryness, season, climate, and other factors to determine the best watering frequency. With the right schedule, your Haworthia will stay healthy and thrive for years.
In Mild Weather (Spring and Fall)
The growth speed of Haworthias is largely impacted by temperatures. In spring and fall, when actively growing in moderate temperatures, they can be watered immediately when the growing medium around the roots approaches dryness. In Northern California, I water every ~3 weeks. Just avoid watering plants when they are under direct sunlight, which can lead to high temperatures.
[card title=”How to Measure the Humidity of Growing Medium”] A precise yet simple way is to pick several plants for each container size, weigh them when the growing mediums are dry and record in labels. After watering, the remaining water in the growing medium can then be measured by the weight difference. Repeat this weighing process several times can further improve the accuracy. [/card]
When watering, thoroughly wet the growing medium and stop after 10~20% of the water applied exits the drain. This flushes any accumulated salts and metabolites away from the growing medium. Such accumulations can inhibit water and nutrient uptakes of plants. The bottom-up ‘soaking’ approach is not recommended because it is less efficient at taking away accumulations.
It is important to check the weather forecast before watering. When expecting extreme weather, the water regime should be adjusted beforehand (see the below section).
How and When to Water Succulents for Beginners | Succulent Tips for Beginners
FAQ
How often should I water Haworthia indoors?
Water every 2-3 weeks in direct light, allowing soil to dry out between waterings. Expect to water more often in brighter light and less often in lower light.
How to tell if Haworthia needs water?
Put a bamboo or wood skewer into the soil, or the base of the plant and wait a moment. Pull out the stick – If it feels completely dry with no soil bits on it, it is time to water your plant!
How long can Haworthia go without water?
A Haworthia can live without water supply for many months but can die in one day because of rot.
What does an overwatered Haworthia look like?
The first sign of overwatering that you should watch out for is discoloration and change in the leaves form. You’ll see that the leaves will start to become yellow or pale (starting from the bottom), soft, and squishy.
Do haworthias need to be watered?
Watering is the most difficult skill to master for growing Haworthias. Watering at a bad timing may damage or even kill a plant due to root rot. Weather conditions, especially temperatures, should be the main considerations to decide when to water and how much to supply. A watering can with a narrow spout gives a better control of water direction.
How often should you water a Haworthia?
Your watering regime changes depending on the season. For example, haworthias grown in the winter or spring need less water than those grown during the summer months. The good news is that most haworthias only need watering every few weeks – often, once a month will be fine unless it’s particularly humid where you live.
How do you care for Haworthia?
Always use a pot with holes for the excess water to escape. Haworthia is slow-growing and can be in the same pot for years. Replace the soil every 2 to 3 years. When watering Haworthia use distilled water or rainwater if available. If using tap water let the water sit out for 24 hours to allow chemicals to evaporate.
How often do you water a Haworthia cactus?
Haworthia plants do not need watering very often. Let the compost dry out completely and then water well, allowing the pot to drain. Then let it dry out again before watering, avoiding the leaves. If water collects between the leaves it can lead to rot. Feed every three months with a cactus fertiliser.
How long can a Haworthia live without water?
A golden rule is that always check the weather forecast and when in doubt, don’t water. A Haworthia can live without water supply for many months but can die in one day because of rot. Note that because plants take time to adopt a drier or wetter environment, the watering frequency should be gradually reduced before summer or winter comes.
How do you water a Haworthia plant?
The best way to water Haworthia plants is to allow the soil to become partially dry between waterings. To check the soil moisture level, stick your finger into the soil up to the knuckle. If the soil feels dry, it’s time to water. If the soil still feels moist, wait a few more days before watering. Frequency